A nurse is caring for a child who is in a halo vest for cervical traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Show the child's parent how to release tension on the bars: The tension in the halo vest should only be adjusted by a healthcare provider. Inappropriate handling could result in spinal instability or neurologic damage. B. Check the child's pupillary response: Pupillary checks are essential in children with cervical injuries to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure or neurological impairment. This is a key safety and assessment measure. C. Apply a cervical collar if the child reports neck pain: A cervical collar should not be applied over or instead of a halo vest. The halo vest provides immobilization and should remain in place unless altered by a medical professional. D. Remove the vest for the child to sleep at night: The halo vest is designed to provide continuous cervical traction and must not be removed, even during sleep, unless specifically directed by the provider. Removing it compromises spinal stability.